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Preparing for a move can be stressful, especially when it comes to packing. And if you’re moving with antiques, that stress can be even worse. How can I relocate while keeping my antiques in good condition? What do I need to do to protect these fragile items? If these are some of the questions on your mind ahead of your relocation, you’ve come to the right place.
Although moving your antiques definitely requires some extra steps when compared to other items, it’s entirely possible to complete the task without these items sustaining any damages. Want to find out how? Keep reading for our comprehensive guide to moving antiques!
Your Guide to Moving with Antiques
With the right knowledge, you can successfully move your antiques to your new home. Discover our eight-step guide below!
- Get an Appraisal
The first step you need to take when moving with antiques is getting appraisals completed for your most valuable items. You might be wondering, “Is this really necessary?” While it may not be an absolute requirement of your move, it certainly is recommended.
Receiving appraisals on your valuable antiques from a qualified person (or even more than one person) ensures that you can properly value your belongings for your moving insurance in case of damages in transit, as well as your homeowner’s insurance. Look for an appraiser who is a member of the American Society of Appraisers to ensure they have the right credentials to complete an accurate assessment.
- Create an Inventory
The next crucial step following the appraisal is to create an inventory listing all of the antique items you will be moving. Each item and its condition should be carefully documented in detail so you can keep track of your belongings and properly assess your items for damages once you arrive at your new residence.
Take pictures of each antique for your records as well, especially if there are any existing damages. You’ll want to take thorough note of these aspects of your items.
- Assess Insurance Options
Your antiques are undoubtedly valuable, and for that reason, it’s important to make sure you cover all your bases to keep them safe. Ahead of your move, be sure to assess your insurance options and understand any insurance policies that you are working with. You may have coverage on your items through your homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance.
Additionally, if you are working with a professional moving company, their services may include protection plans, or you may be able to opt for these insurance plans. Make sure to ask your movers in advance to know your options and get the coverage you need in order to prevent any issues.
- Disassemble if Possible
Whenever possible, disassemble your antiques for your upcoming move. This is especially important with larger furniture items.
Although you should assess each item on a case-by-case basis to make sure they won’t be harmed by disassembly, many items can be transported much more safely and conveniently when separated into smaller pieces. Taking this step will allow you to move these valuables as safely as possible through more secure packing.
- Wrap Your Antiques First
Now comes the most important aspect of moving with antiques: packing them. The first step of packing your antiques is wrapping these items carefully. This step will make a significant impact in maintaining the quality of your items in transit, so be sure not to skip it.
Items such as fabrics, artwork, and books should be wrapped in non-acidic archival tissue. For glass items, utilize Glassine, which is specifically made to create a barrier that prevents smudges, stains, and other damages. Wood items should be wrapped with a foam wrap. Understanding what suits your belongings best is an extremely helpful consideration to keep your items safe while relocating.
- Pad Your Antiques Second
The next step after your items are properly wrapped is carefully padding them to absorb any shock. Moving blankets, bubble wrap, and air cushions are all excellent options for this step, and any of these items can be used to provide the protection your antiques need.
You can stick to one of these materials, or opt to combine numerous for the most protective results. Be sure to add enough padding that your items aren’t able to shift and jostle in transit, as this can often cause damage.
- Clearly Label Boxes as Fragile
Whether you’re using sturdy cardboard boxes or wooden crates, it’s important to properly label these vessels before loading them onto the moving truck. Be sure to write “Fragile” in large, bold letters on numerous sides of each box. This will signal to anyone loading or unloading these items that they need to be handled with care and shouldn’t be thrown around haphazardly.
- Load and Unload Carefully
The final step in this process is to make sure you are loading and unloading these sensitive belongings carefully. These boxes should be the last ones loaded onto the moving truck and the first ones unloaded, and both tasks should be completed with the utmost care to ensure they remain in good condition.
As you unpack your belongings, inspect each antique, and make sure to carefully document any issues you may notice. Hopefully, with the steps taken, your items will be in great condition!
However, if any damages happened in transit, take the appropriate documentation needed to file a claim with insurance, and take care of this task promptly to avoid any issues with reimbursement.
Protect Your Antiques During Your Relocation!
Moving your antiques takes some careful consideration, but with the right steps, you can rest assured that your items are properly prepared for the move. These precautions ensure your items have the best chance of staying in good condition, no matter how far you’re moving.
Looking for a moving company you can trust to handle your antiques with care? Depend on RLD Relocation & Logistics for all of your moving needs! Whether you want our experts to handle packing for you or opt to have our movers transport your belongings, our solutions can make moving a breeze.
Allow us to help you complete your Akron area move with confidence and convenience. Request a free quote online today!
